The year-long campaign concluded last week and the grand total for fundraising was announced at a post-holiday employee team party on Jan. 4.

According to Kathy Walstad, chairperson of this year’s Bavarian Inn Company Giving Program, employees raised funds for the veterans’ charity through a Nov. 20 auction which raised $8,000, together with a holiday open house event, candy sales, voluntary payroll deduction, and other activities throughout the year.

Past charities aided by the Company Giving Program include Hospice of Hope, Special Olympics, Special Days Camp, and Saginaw Habitat for Humanity.

“Bavarian Inn Restaurant,” Walstad added, “has over 400 caring team members who give so generously each year to help those in need. We’re looking forward to an exciting year of giving in 2016.”

Celebrating 125 years of service in 2013, the Bavarian Inn Restaurant has become a Michigan landmark. Generations of diners, lodgers and tourists from around the globe have discovered true Bavarian hospitality thanks to Dorothy and her late husband William “Tiny” Zehnder. Guests experience the old-world European charm of the Bavarian Inn – whether it’s the famous chicken dinners, fresh baked goods or Michigan’s greatest selection of German beer. Bavarian Inn also prides itself on being one of the top consumers of Pure Michigan agricultural products. Nestled within a backdrop of authentic German architecture, a variety of shops and other fun activities, a trip to Frankenmuth would not be complete without a visit to the Bavarian Inn. Learn more at www.bavarianinn.com.

The primary purpose of The Fallen and Wounded Soldiers Fund is to help veterans in Michigan who return from the Iraq and Afghanistan campaigns and find themselves in need of supplemental support and assistance. The FWSF is an all-volunteer organization, whose members are a diverse collection of concerned people from the business and private sectors. The FWSF has consistently maintained a 97% or higher giving rate. To learn more, please visit http://www.fwsf.org.